O-Line is going to dictate our record this year. If they can play even mediocre, I think 9-10 wins is a real possibility. But given what they've looked like in the preseason, if we don't get some more capable bodies, 7 wins might be our ceiling...

I like Pat Y just fine, and I don't think 7-9 is a huge slight and could very well be accurate. I personally think the Bucs are a lot better than what some people think, and the Saints can potentially win 9 games with Brees, even given how hideous their defense will be. I vehemently disagree about the Falcons being a SB winner or even contender though.

But predictions are just that...

Just for shiggles (and perspective on the fact no one really knows), here are some of the vaunted predictions for the 2003 Panthers.

Sports Illustrated, on what it would take for the Panthers to make the playoffs

"They leave the NFC South and accept John Swofford's invitation to become the ACC's 12th team, citing academic reasons and a promise for basketball tournament tickets. They hold off Miami in the ACC Championship Game and advance to the Orange Bowl."

4)Carolina (6-10) - John Fox’s squad over-achieved last year. This year they settle back to normality.

The season is long and unpredictable. Pretty much every publication had the Panthers between 6-10 & 8-8.

FWIW, Pat lives in Tampa, and has been sucking NO & ATL off at every juncture he can, so there is that too to consider